A panel of ten insect pest-control experts convened in Annapolis, MD recently to review and improve the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) program, a certification program run by the Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation (ESACC) which seeks to raise the ever-increasing level of professionalism in the pest control industry by developing standards for applicators. Applicants for certification must meet minimum standards, be certified operators in at least one state, and pass an examination.
The expert panel was formed to ensure that the content of the ACE exam is up-to-date so that it matches the actual knowledge required for certified pest control professionals to perform effectively.
ACE certification is a valuable way to prove professional credentials, and can lead to better visibility, opportunities, and jobs for pest control professionals.
"This certification closes more sales for me than anything I have ever done," said Dean Gary, ACE, a pest control operator in San Antonio, TX. "When I tell a potential customer that I am an Associate Certified Entomologist, it seals the deal. I proudly wear the ACE patch on all of my uniforms."
While there are other certification programs in the industry, no other national pesticide applicator certification programs exist on this level. Although ESACC also runs a Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) program, it is less focused on household insects, making the ACE program unique in the industry for the individual operator. First introduced in 2004, the program has seen an average of 38% annual growth every year since that time.
“We feel strongly that as we continue to build the professionalism of the ACE program, it will have a lasting, positive impact on the entire industry,” said Dr. Shripat Kamble, Director of the ESACC Certification Board, who hopes to have 1,000 ACEs certified by the end of year 2013.
The Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation is dedicated to improving professionalism in the entomological industries through the development and implementation of measurable standards of accomplishment via certification programs that recognize superior performance. For more information, please visit www.entocert.org.
CONTACT:
Chris Stelzig, Director of Certification
Entomological Society of America
10001 Derekwood Lane, Suite 100
Lanham, MD 20706
cstelzig@entsoc.org
www.entocert.org
410-263-3622
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